The Record: Letters, Sunday, Feb. 9

Once again the Republican Party seizes a headline and irresponsibly runs with it. The old adage of think before you talk does not seem to apply.

I refer to the Congressional Budget Office’s recent report stating Obamacare may cut the equivalent of 2.5 million full-time jobs from the work force. If you read more than the headline, the report goes on to say Obamacare will also reduce unemployment. While it may appear as a contradiction, it truly is not as I am the perfect example of the CBO’s findings.

My career spans 30-plus years as an account executive in advertising sales. I have paid my dues, worked my way up and made a fairly lucrative living wage. However, my inner clock let me know it was time to pass the torch and move on. I was excited to start a new chapter, yet found myself in quite the conundrum.

I was still too young for Medicare, yet could not afford individual health insurance. It personally prevented me from moving forward and denied new, younger talent the opportunity to join the work force.

That all changed on Jan. 1. Obamacare allowed me the freedom to walk away and explore other options on a part-time basis. And by the way, my resignation resulted in the hiring of two recent college graduates.

So don’t tell me I am lazy or lack ambition or initiative. I have played by the rules and now can take some time to stop and smell the roses.

I entered data in the health care website for a family of four, two parents and two children under the age of 26, with a total household income of $50,000. Yes, I was shocked to see the amount of federal credits I would qualify for and then I searched for the $131 per month plan. I could not find it, but I did find a bronze plan for $104 per month. Wow.

The problem with Sebelius’ stated monthly premium is that it made no mention of co-pays for doctors, lab tests, drug prescriptions or emergency rooms, nor did she mention the $12,000 annual out-of-pocket/copay for a family of four before reaching a level where the insurance company starts paying for something in full.

So the cable bill comparison is now totaling nearly $13,250 a year. Shame on the secretary.